Peripartum vs. Postpartum: What's the Difference?
Two words you'll hear constantly around pregnancy and birth — and they don't mean the same thing. Here's how to tell them apart.
Pregnancy and childbirth bring a range of physical and emotional changes — and two terms come up again and again while describing them: peripartum and postpartum. They're related, and often used loosely as if interchangeable, but they actually mark two different stretches of time in the childbirth journey.
See it on a timeline
One term is broader than the other
Peripartum is the umbrella — it spans pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after. Postpartum sits inside it, covering only the period after delivery.
pregnant
after birth
Two definitions
What each term actually covers
Peripartum
Also known as the perinatal period, peripartum encompasses the time surrounding childbirth — before, during, and after. It's characterized by numerous physical, emotional, and hormonal changes as a woman prepares for and adapts to her new role as a mother.
Roughly week 20 of pregnancy → 4–6 weeks postpartum
Postpartum
Postpartum refers specifically to the period after childbirth. It begins immediately after the baby is born and extends for several weeks or months, depending on context — a critical stretch as mother and newborn adjust to their new lives together.
Birth → several weeks or months after
In short
The key differences
Timing
Peripartum includes the period before, during, and after childbirth. Postpartum refers only to the period after childbirth.
Scope
Peripartum covers a broader timeframe, including the months leading up to childbirth. Postpartum focuses narrowly on the immediate weeks and months following delivery.
Whichever stage you're in, support is available
If you're experiencing symptoms of peripartum or postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns during pregnancy or after childbirth, it's important to seek professional help.
Visit brainhealthpsych.comUnderstanding the Difference Between Peripartum and Postpartum
Pregnancy and childbirth are significant life events that bring about a range of physical and emotional changes for women. Two terms often used in this context are peripartum and postpartum. While these terms are related, they refer to distinct periods in the childbirth journey.
What is Peripartum?
Peripartum, also known as the perinatal period, encompasses the time surrounding childbirth. It includes the period before, during, and after childbirth. Specifically, peripartum begins around the 20th week of pregnancy and extends to 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. This period is characterized by numerous physical, emotional, and hormonal changes as women prepare for and adapt to their new role as mothers.
What is Postpartum?
Postpartum, on the other hand, specifically refers to the period after childbirth. It begins immediately after the birth of the baby and extends for several weeks or months, depending on the context. The postpartum period is a critical time for both the mother and the newborn as they adjust to their new lives and roles.
Key Differences
The main difference between peripartum and postpartum lies in their timing. Peripartum includes the period before, during, and after childbirth, while postpartum specifically refers to the period after childbirth. Peripartum encompasses a broader timeframe, including the months leading up to childbirth, while postpartum focuses on the immediate weeks and months following childbirth.
It’s important for women to seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms of peripartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns during pregnancy or after childbirth. https://brainhealthpsych.com/